Sports Studies (Joint Honours) BA/BSc (Hons)

• Overview

  Studying our Sports Studies Joint Honours course will give you the opportunity to combine your passion for sport with another subject as part of our Joint Honours programme. Popular Joint Honours combinations in recent years have included Sport Studies with Education, Business, Management, Psychology, Health Studies and Sociology.

  Our Sport Studies course aims to help you understand and evaluate sport using a variety of social science disciplines. A strong emphasis is placed on the application of theory to practical issues in sport, such as barriers to sport participation, managing sport events, and sport coaching. A focus on these key subject areas enables you to prepare for a career in sport, including PE teachers, sport coaches and sport development officers.

  We will support you to achieve your career and study ambitions, which is why if you complete our Employability Plus Gold programme or Changemaker Gold certificate alongside your studies and if you haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating* we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you, or support you into postgraduate study.

  *with a 2:2 degree classification or higher

  Course

  Highlights

  • Local sport partners Northampton Town FC, Northampton Saints Rugby, Northants County Cricket Club and Northamptonshire Sport
  • Free Sports and Societies
  • You have the opportunity to explore two topics that are of most interest to you
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Open Days

  
• Course Details

  Studying our Sports Studies Joint Honours course will give you the opportunity to combine your passion for sport with another subject as part of our Joint Honours programme. Popular Joint Honours combinations in recent years have included Sport Studies with Education, Business, Management, Psychology, Health Studies and Sociology.

  You will study the key social science disciplines in sport studies including sport teaching and coaching, sport management and sociology. You will be introduced to the following topics:

  • the principles of sport coaching with a particular emphasis on teaching methods in sport
  • the social context of sport including the impact of social inequalities on participation
  • the principles of sport management including the organisation of British sport and principles of sport event management

  The majority of our staff hold, or are near to completing, PhDs and are active researchers and consultants in their specialist fields, including Sport Management, Coaching and the Sociology of Sport. As you progress through your studies, you will have the flexibility to choose which of your two subjects you would like to major or minor in, or you can maintain an equal, joint programme.

  This structure lends itself particularly well to the Joint Honours programme where you can develop your areas of interest by selecting from a range of modules in both subject areas.

  The course focuses particularly on issues in grassroots, community sport which is tied in with our local sport partners Northampton Town FC, Northampton Saints Rugby, Northants County Cricket Club and Northamptonshire Sport. You are encouraged to take up voluntary and paid opportunities in various local sport organisations to develop your skills and experience outside of your course. This experience, combined with the knowledge that you will gain from the degree, will help you become attractive to employers upon graduation.

  Methods of Learning

  The Sport Studies course is delivered by a programme of well-designed, coherent and recently updated modules that cover a wide range of topics. Our tutors are all active researchers in their specialist areas, some having extensive industry experience, and this feeds into the content of the modules. We aim to provide an environment that maximises your engagement, involvement and enjoyment. You have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and encounter new challenges that support your learning, often through applied ‘real-world’ assessments like organisational reports, funding bids and running sport events. Throughout the course, you will be exposed to different project designs and will develop your ability to apply both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research questions.

  Assessments

  A wide range of assessments are used including essays, reports, practical assessments, movie documentaries, group work and examinations. The aim of the assignment programme is not only to test knowledge and skills but also to develop these skills (for instance, the ability to present to a group of people or deliver a practical sport session). You can expect about two or three items of assessment per module and these are spread evenly throughout the academic year.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Partnerships

  The course focuses particularly on issues in grassroots, community sport which is tied in with our local sport partners Northampton Town FC, Northampton Saints Rugby, Northants County Cricket Club and Northamptonshire Sport.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Days

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying at The University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    Our Sport Studies Joint Honours degree will prepare you for careers in the expanding sport industry, through employers such as local authorities and national governing bodies of sport, as well as roles in areas such as sport management and coaching. It will also put you in an ideal position to apply for further training to become either a primary or secondary teacher.

    
• Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. In addition, you are expected to have studied a physical education, sports science or related science subject at A Level, BTEC level 3 diploma or equivalent qualification.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

   

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Online enquiry form

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3

  You will explore the sociological issues in sport, the historical development of sport, the management of sport organisations and sport development, and an introduction to teaching and sport coaching.

  • Sport and Leisure Management (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO1006

    Core Module Y
  • Sport Pedagogy for Coaching (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO1011

    Core Module Y
  • The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO1038

    Core Module Y

  The second stage of the course develops your application and analytical skills through topics such as sport and social theory, motivation, learning and the management of sport development and community sport. Stage two also introduces you to the key principles of research methods that helps to prepare you for your dissertation in your final year.

  • Sport Research Methods (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO2018

    Core Module N
  • Positive Psychology Coaching (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO2036

    Core Module N
  • Sports Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO2007

    Core Module N
  • Strategic Sport Management (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO2043

    Core Module N
  • Sport, Society and Social Equality (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO2044

    Core Module N
  • (Optional Placement Year) The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (WBL) (40 Credits)
    Module code: HRM2053

    Core Module Y

  You can select modules relevant to the area of specific interest in either social inequalities, sport development, sport management or coaching. In the final year you will develop a specialist interest of your choice within the area of sport studies. You will work with staff that will support and advise you throughout your independent research.

  • Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: SPO4001

    Core Module Y
  • Sport and Exercise Dissertation (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO4002

    Core Module N
  • Sport and Exercise Joint Dissertation (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO4003

    Core Module N
  • Event Management in Sport and Leisure (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO3010

    Core Module N
  • Theoretical Concepts of Coaching (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO3015

    Core Module N
  • Contemporary Issues in Sport Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO3024

    Core Module N
  • Marketing and New Media for Events and Sport (20 Credits)
    Module code: LEI3011

    Core Module N
  • Physical Activity and Society (20 Credits)
    Module code: SPO3043

    Core Module N

  • Reading List
    • Armour K. M. (2011) Sport pedagogy: an introduction for teaching and coaching. Harlow: Prentice Hall
    • Coakley, Jay J. and Pike, Elizabeth (2009) Sports in society: issues and controversies. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill
    • Horne J. Tomlinson, A. and Whannel, G. (2013) Understanding Sport: A Socio-Cultural Analysis. London: Routledge.
    • Hoye, Russell (2012) Sport Management: Principles and Applications. London: Routledge
    • Taylor P. and Torkildsen G. (2011) Torkildsen’s sport and leisure management. London: Routledge

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  Assessments are designed to mirror real-world situations to help develop your employability skill

  You have the opportunity to explore two topics that are of most interest to you.

  A high proportion of staff hold PhDs and are active in research and consultancy in fields including sport, sociology, sport development, sport psychology, exercise psychology, physiology and biomechanics.

  Sports Zone at Waterside is home to a multi-use sports dome suitable for a variety of sports, including football, badminton and netball. The facilities include two sports performance labs, a pair of teaching rooms and changing rooms. In addition, there also are three outdoor multi-use games areas and floodlit full-size all-weather sports pitch. The sports dome is used for teaching, research and recreational activities.

• Further Studies
  • Postgraduate Opportunities

    Further your study

    Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

    Strength and Conditioning MSc

    
  • Research

    We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

    Visit our Research Hub page for more information.

    
  • Business and Enterprise

    We are committed to supporting and encouraging business growth and we are involved in a variety of initiatives which seek to benefit the wider community as well as students and staff of the University.

    Discover what businesses we work with and what opportunities may be available to you on our Business and Enterprise pages.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  International: £12,500

  For information on our international tuition fees, please see our Tuition fees for international students page.

  For information on the scholarships available to you as an international student, please see our International scholarships page.

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  Sir Thomas White Scholarship

  The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Joint Honours Study

  This course will be a BA/BSc depending on the subject it is studied with. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for more information on Joint Honours Degree designations.

  If you choose to study a Joint Honours degree at the University of Northampton you can select a programme that suits your interests and strengths. This option opens up a host of possibilities to you, offering a wide range of opportunities for careers and further study at your fingertips. In the Joint Honours programme, you will select two subjects as joint for stage one. You may continue with equal emphasis on two subjects as a joint degree in stages two and three, or switch to a major or minor split. The degree title is derived from the two subjects.

  With a Joint Honours degree you can ensure that your programme has:

  • Breadth: you are not focused on a single specialism, but are able to study across two disciplines
  • Flexibility: you can adjust the balance of your programme depending on the interests and skills you develop during your time with us
  • Embedded skills: you will have all the graduate level skills that employers are looking for
  • Student support: your own personal tutor will work with you as you learn and progress.

  Click here for further information on Joints Honours.

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*Course data provided by Unistats